Body Type & Super Powers - For People in a Hurry
A system of classification of human physical types was developed by U.S. psychologist W.H. Sheldon. He gave us the extreme ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph classifications.
Ectomorph: Slim, lean or Thin
Endomorph: Robust, Thick, Very Voluptuous, Teddy Bear or Pear Shaped
Mesomorph: Muscular with a high metabolism and responsive muscle cells
These classifications are especially important to get an understanding of how quickly we gain muscle or loose fat.
THE ECTOMORPH:
PHYSIQUE and CHARACTERISTICS
Narrow hips and clavicles
Small wrist/ankles
Thin build
Longer muscle bellies
Long limbs
SIMPLE “TRUTHS”
You are typically not the strongest person in the room
Your muscle growth rate can be slow
“SUPER” POWERS
Fast metabolism prevents fat accumulation
Leaner figure emphasizes muscle growth making smaller gains more noticeable
Gravity is nicer to you. you have the potential to be agile, fast and possibly be an endurance athlete
You can eat piles of food and stay looking the same
THE ENDOMORPH
PHYSIQUE and CHARACTERISTICS
Blocky, Teddy bear, Very Voluptuous
Thick rib cage
Thicker joints
Hips as wide (or wider) than clavicles
Shorter limbs
Above average Gluteus Maximus and Thick Thighs
SIMPLE “TRUTHS”
Slow Fat Burning Rate
You have to take it easy with high impact exercises (jumping, sprinting etc.)
“SUPER” POWERS
Fast Muscle Growth Rate
Typically, Very strong!
Often times you give the best hugs
THE MESOMORPH
PHYSIQUE and CHARACTERISTICS
Wide clavicles
Narrow waist
Thinner joints
Long and round muscle bellies
General Athletic built
SIMPLE “TRUTHS”
You can have injuries due to muscular imbalances
Rare body type
May be overconfident in body look leading to a lack of any kind of physical fitness. this laziness could result in poor cardiovascular health among other things.
“SUPER” POWERS
Looking fit for no good reason
A Fast Muscle Growth Rate
A Fast Fat Burning Rate
It is important to note that most people fall under a combination of two types due to hereditary traits and genetic predispositions.
Recommendations:
Ectomorph: Lift heavy weights with low reps. eat a surplus of healthy protein, carbs and fats if you wish to grow muscle and or become stronger.
Mesomorph: Don't worry about getting "bulky," but watch out for creeping fat gains. You're not impervious to fat gain!
Endomorph: If you find yourself doing lots of work and still gaining weight, the answer is probably in the kitchen.
References:
Heritability of somatotype components: a multivariate analysis - https://www.nature.com/articles/0803575
Analysis of The Elite Athletes' Somatotypes:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282134204_ANALYSIS_OF_THE_ELITE_ATHLETES'_SOMATOTYPES
